Liverpool are interested in a January move for Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman who is available for around £27million, according to Leggo.
The Rome-based newspaper report that the club’s hierarchy are willing to sell the 27-year-old this month in order to fund a move for Sampdoria’s Lucas Torreira, and Liverpool are ready to pounce for the midfield general.
Leggo claim that Strootman’s release clause stands at £40million, but the club will be willing to let the Netherlands international to go for less than that.
It is said that Ligue 1 side Marseille are also interested, along with Italian giants Juventus.
Good move for Liverpool?
Instead of this being a move to replace Coutinho, this looks like more of a move to replace Emre Can, who looks to be on his way out of the club.
Strootman is more of a deep-lying midfielder, with a brilliant passing range, rather than a forward-thinking player like the Brazilian.
However, this would be a good reinvestment of some of the money the club has received for Coutinho.
The Netherlands international has been in line for a move to the Premier League for a while now, and Liverpool would be stronger with him in their squad.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
For £27million, this looks like a good deal.
It just depends on whether the Reds have any other targets in mind, and whether Can ends up leaving this month or in the summer.
The German looks to be on his way to Juventus, but it is not yet known if he will go on a free transfer in the summer, or for a small fee in the coming weeks.
Once that is resolved, we will have a better idea about whether the club will move for Strootman soon.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10